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Home/Glossary/Maintenance margin

Futures · Pro

Maintenance margin

By Omer Rapaport · Content updated 11 September 2026

What does Maintenance margin mean?

Maintenance margin is the minimum account support required to keep a margined position open. Falling below it can require additional funds or position reduction.

Example

An account decline leaves insufficient collateral to support its open futures position.

Illustrative example; not a provider’s quoted offer.

Why it matters for prop traders

A live broker’s margin requirements and a prop program’s drawdown rules are separate constraints.

Sources and further reading

The following primary sources support the terminology. Provider rules describe their own products and may change.

  • CME Group - Futures margins

Related terms

  • Initial margin
  • Margin call
  • Backwardation
← All 181 terms

Frequently asked questions

Is maintenance margin the same as a prop drawdown rule?

A live broker’s margin requirements and a prop program’s drawdown rules are separate constraints.

Sources: CME Group - Futures margins

What is a practical example of Maintenance margin?

Illustrative example: An account decline leaves insufficient collateral to support its open futures position.

Sources: CME Group - Futures margins

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